Rumoured Next-Gen Ipod Features

With Apple set to announce a new Range of there ever popular Ipod on September the 5th rumours have been flying about the web on what new features these products will have. I have listed all these rumoured new features and enhancments here to get you salivating over Apples projected new release.

• Touchscreen Capability - The main feature that is rumoured to be on these next generation of Ipods is the abandoning of the classic hardware wheel and replacing it with a fully touchscreen interface. This in my opinion will add a whole new level of interactivity to the Ipod and also opening it up to a wealth of different applications other than Music/Video and Games. Which brings me on to the next feature. This screen is rumoured to take up the whole of the device similar to the Iphone. This gives some great opportunities for video viewing by introducing a landscape mode for widescreen films.

• OS X - It is also rumoured that this next gen ipod will be running a scaled down version of Apples OS X. This seems like a logical move as the Iphone already runs a mobile version and an Ipod version without the phone capability would be a good move for apple as it would appeal to consumers who want to have a version of OS X on the move but dont want to shell out for an expensive Iphone or be locked down in a phone contract for a device they will rarely use as a phone.

• Digital Radio - Another interesting feature rumoured to be included in these Ipods is the ability to receive Digital Radio. Personally i feel this is a feature that has been lacking in Ipods for a long time, Sure having all your own music with you on the go is great, However sometimes it gets a bit repetitive and you want to listen to something different. Thats where Digital Radio would be great a wealth of channels to cater any of your music needs. It is also rumoured that this Digital Radio feature will give the user the option to buy and download the music there listening to over the radio. This will be of course limited to the tracks in the Itunes Store but what a great feature the ability to buy music on the move.

• Wi-Fi - If Apple is indeed going to introduce the Digital Radio + Itunes Download into these Ipods the introduction of a Wifi connection makes sense. This seems a logical step forward for Apple as far as connectivity goes. When your away from home simply connect to the closest Wifi spot available and browse the Itunes store for some new tracks to listen to. If OS X is indeed included we can only hope it includes Safari, Mobile internet browsing on the ipod would be a great feature and edge the Ipod that little bit close to be the only device we need on the move.

• Flash Based Memory - Will this be the end of Hard Drives in Ipods. I personally Hope so its about time the portable device industry moved away from Hard Drives and concentrated on Flash Devices. The only downfall i can see for this is limited size compared to older Ipods or a much higher price due to the price of Flash memory. Hopefully Apple have a way around this and itroduce a super reliable high capacity Flash Based Ipods.

• Nano Video Support - I love the Ipod Nano it has been one of my favorite of the Ipod Range since it was released. I feel it has also been a bit left behind in the way of features so hearing about this is great. I could see the form factor of the Nano changing to accomadate video possibly shorter and fatter to give a widescreen display. This is also rumoured to contain OS X but modified for use with the Clickwheel. Im Crossing my fingers for this one whilst drooling in anticipation.

Well thats all i have for the moment, i will keep trawling through any new news that pops up and ill be sure to post it. I will also have up to date information as soon as i get hold of it tommorow. Hopefully work isnt busy tommorow :).

Thanks for Reading